Understanding PAS 24
PAS 24 stands for Publicly Available Specification 24. It is a British standard developed to assess the security performance of doors and windows against common types of forced entry.
In simple terms, it confirms that a product has been independently tested to withstand the kinds of break-in attempts burglars are most likely to use, such as using tools to lever open locks, apply pressure to corners, or force glazing panels.
The standard covers a wide range of products including front doors, external patio doors like sliding doors and bifold doors, and windows, all of which are vital to a home’s overall security. PAS 24 isn’t a design choice or optional upgrade; it’s a recognised benchmark in UK home security and forms part of building regulations for new properties.
PAS 24 and Building Regulations
Since 2015, PAS 24 building regulations have made it essential for all new homes and developments to meet specific standards of security for accessible doors and windows. These regulations were introduced to help reduce the risk of burglary by ensuring that every entry point on a new property offers consistent and reliable protection.
For homeowners, builders, and developers, this means choosing certified products from the outset is not only a sign of quality but also a practical way to stay compliant. Products that carry a PAS 24 certificate meet all the relevant security benchmarks set out in Approved Document Q of the Building Regulations. This ensures your property is protected against unauthorised access, an investment in both peace of mind and long-term compliance to secure your home effectively.
PAS 24 Meaning and Requirements
To achieve certification, doors and windows must pass a series of demanding PAS 24 requirements, including:
- Mechanical load tests: simulating forced entry by applying heavy pressure at locking points and hinges.
- Manual attack tests: where trained specialists use tools such as screwdrivers, chisels, and crowbars to attempt access.
- Impact tests: checking the strength of glazing and infill panels using controlled strikes that mimic real-world break-in attempts.
- Manipulation tests: assessing how resistant the locking system is to tampering.
Once a product passes all these tests, it is issued with a PAS 24 certificate, confirming that it meets the official criteria for security and durability. At Direct, every aluminium door and window we manufacture proudly carries this certification, offering you complete reassurance that your home security is protected by the best in British engineering.
The Role of Toughened Glass in PAS 24
Every door and window tested under PAS 24 must meet strict security and glazing performance standards. While toughened glass isn’t specifically required by the standard, it’s widely used by manufacturers to help meet the rigorous impact and home security criteria.
Toughened glass is up to five times stronger than standard glass and, if broken, shatters into small, blunt fragments rather than sharp shards. This not only increases window security but also improves everyday safety in the home. At Direct, all our glazing options feature high-quality toughened glass, working alongside our robust thermally broken aluminium frames and secure locking systems to deliver complete peace of mind.
Inside the Testing Process
PAS 24 testing is conducted by independent UKAS-accredited laboratories, with each test replicating real-life conditions to ensure every product can stand up to sustained force and attack. We work closely with these independent assessors and carry out additional internal checks across our Leeds manufacturing facility. Every frame, hinge, and lock undergoes rigorous inspection before dispatch. This commitment ensures that the PAS 24 certificate behind each product truly reflects its performance in the real world.
Our Managing Director Steve Bromberg explains why this accreditation remains central to every product we build:
“Security isn’t something you should have to think about after installation. It’s built in from the start. PAS 24 gives our customers the confidence that their doors and windows have been tested to the toughest UK standards, because every home deserves that level of protection.”
PAS 24 and Secured by Design
PAS 24 works hand in hand with Secured by Design, the official police initiative promoting products that help secure your home and reduce crime. To carry the Secured by Design accreditation, products must meet PAS 24 standards or higher. This means any Secured by Design doors or windows you choose have already proven their strength and resilience in controlled testing environments.
Our aluminium sliding doors and front doors all meet PAS 24 and comply with Secure by Design door requirements, ensuring that your home benefits from exceptional security without compromise on design or performance.
FAQs
PAS 24 compliance is required for new-build homes under building regulations, particularly for accessible doors and ground-floor windows. For existing homes, it is a strong recommendation for anyone looking to secure their home effectively.
No. You can still choose a wide range of finishes, colours, and configurations while maintaining the same level of certified security.
PAS 24 sets the benchmark for home security, representing the highest standard of protection for doors and windows. Every product manufactured by Express Bi-Folds Direct, including our pre-made bifold doors, is certified, meaning it has successfully passed the most rigorous industry security tests.
By choosing PAS 24 doors and windows, you’re not only meeting building regulations but also ensuring lasting strength, proven safety, and peace of mind for years to come. Explore our range online or visit one of our showrooms today and let our expert team help you find the perfect solution for your home.